Windows 7 Now Scheduled For Christmas 2009…..Maybe?

The original rumor had pegged the release of Windows 7 around mid-2009. Now it seems that the release may come arounf Christmas time of 2009. Microsoft has changed their policy for those who buy Vista computers and when they will be able to upgrade to Windows 7 for free. The new date could be April 30, 2010 for the free upgrade.

In a recent article it states that:

Citing purported confidential memos from Microsoft, TechARP.com had earlier reported that the Windows 7 Upgrade Program will begin July 1 of this year.

That would mean that any Vista PCs purchased between then and Jan. 31, 2010, would be eligible for free upgrades to Windows 7.

TechARP reported today that those Windows 7 upgrade DVDs should be delivered by PC makers to customers by April 30 of next year. These dates are “open to change,” TechARP reported.

The veracity of the report “seems reasonable to me,” said Rosoff. “If they’re soliciting OEM feedback now, that points to a possible release in time for holiday 2009.”

Microsoft declined to comment on the TechARP report.

One could assume that systems running Vista would be ‘Windows 7 Capable’ since they are basically the same operating system. Windows 7 should actually run a little better according to those who have tested the new OS.

But the big question is how many people will actually be buying a new computer this year or in 2010? With the economic picture still in the crapper, Microsoft and OEM’s may not see the average consumer willing to fork out any monies for a new computer when they struggle to put food on the table.